Benefits of Titanium vs. Quartz vs. Ceramic Nails

Dabbing Tools: Ceramic vs. Quartz vs. Titanium

If you dab, you know just how important having the right nail is for your rig. But finding the right nail for the task isn’t always as straight forward as it seems.

First, you’ve got to understand the genders and sizes, which is enough to overwhelm a newbie. Once you figure that part out, you still have to decide what material to select for the nail itself. Each has its own pros and cons.

There’s quartz or glass, which according to a lot of people, is the best option if you are looking for a ‘pure’ unadulterated experience. Then there’s ceramic, which takes its own sweet time to get heated. But once its reached optimal temperature retains heat quite well. And lastly, there’s titanium, the new kid on the block that’s taking even seasoned smokers by surprise as a potential alternative to traditional nails.

So which is best? What type of dab nail should you invest in the next time your in the market for a new nail or accessory for an existing rig?

Let’s find out, shall we?

Quartz Nails

Quartz is one of the most commonly used materials for dab nails. It is thicker and more durable than normal glass, while heating up nicely. Below are some of the positives of selecting quartz accessories…

Pros

• It doesn’t get contaminated easily and offers a cohesive feel for the setup if your rig is also made of glass. Glass-on-glass, as they say, looks much better than glass with a ceramic bowl or titanium nail.

• Quartz heats up fast, literally in seconds with the right torch. It’s the fastest among the three materials that we are comparing today.

• It’s inert. Which means it doesn’t alter the taste or the flavor of your dab. That’s one of the primary reasons why smokers prefer using quartz over other materials.  

• Quartz accessories are food grade which means that they don’t emit toxic gases even if heated to extremely high temperatures, which is a possibility if you use blazer torches.

Cons

Despite the popularity and the easy availability, a lot of dabbers these days are switching to other materials for their accessories. Here’s why…

• It might be thicker than glass. But it still tends to get damaged very easily. And it becomes extremely annoying when you have to replace your bowl or nail every two months. Replacements are cheaply available though.

• Quartz is extremely weak when it comes to retaining heat. So that quartz nail that heats up in seconds will also lose the heat in seconds which means that someone looking for a longer sesh will have to keep re-heating it.

Ceramic Nails

Ceramic is the least popular material used for nails and accessories. That’s surprising because it’s pretty durable, looks equally good and is as cheap as quartz.

Pros

• Ceramic is a slow heating material which can be perfect for users who dabs at low temperatures. It retains the heat for longer too. So there’s no need to frequently reheat the nail.

• Ceramic accessories are available in a variety of colors. They can complement your glass rig perfectly.

• Ceramic is more durable than quartz. It does not get fractured as easily even if heated to high temperatures.

• It does not outgas when heated.

Cons

• Ceramic parts are not available as easily as quartz or titanium.

• Some dabbers feel that ceramic alters the taste and flavor of the concentrate. However, it’s not a strong metallic aftertaste.

• Chinese made ceramic is notorious for cracking at high temperatures. So, if you are looking to buy ceramic, buy American made.

• Ceramic parts can be heavy if you have plastic rigs. It’s better suited for glass.

• The slow heating (30 seconds or more) is not ideal if you are looking for a quick fix. High-temperature dabbers prefer quartz or titanium for this reason.

Titanium Nails

Titanium is fast becoming one of the most widely used materials for nails, bangers and other accessories. That’s because it is incredibly durable.

But that’s not the only thing that Ti, as it is often called, has going for it.

Pros

• Zero risk of damage even if you drop it accidentally. It doesn’t get fractured or dented. The functionality is not affected.

• Heats faster than ceramic but slower than quartz. So, if you are looking for a middle ground in terms of heating temperature and speed, then here it is.

• Excellent heat retention. A titanium nail when heated will retain the heat for quite a while. Perfect for long sessions. Reheating happens in just seconds.

• You can buy size-adjustable titanium nails that can be used with your rig irrespective of its size.

Cons

• Titanium is often coated or polished. When it is heated, this coating alters the taste and the flavor of the vape. Some users compare it with licking an ashtray which is too farfetched. To be fair, high-grade titanium rarely affects the taste of the dab. If you wish to try titanium accessories, check the grade.

• Titanium nails need to be seasoned before you use them. Seasoning is a process where the metal is polymerized to remove any coating or polish applied to it. The nail is heated and a thin layer of oil is applied to it. This significantly reduces the risk of Titanium affecting the taste or flavor of the dab.

• Titanium is more expensive than quartz or ceramic. Having said that, it’s a one-time investment that should outlast any other accessory.

• Titanium replacement parts are heavy. You might want to check if its compatible with your glass bongs. Definitely not an option for plastic rigs.

Closing Thoughts

For those of you into dabbing, you know that having the right dab nail can make all the difference. As to which material is the best for your nail, that will be dependent on your rig. Setup, preferences and budget.

We hope you found this guide helpful. As always, if you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to reach out. Our headshop carries a range of the best dabbing products and nails at prices that won’t break the bank.